LOU Koller, the frontman of Sick of It All, has died at the age of 59 after a two-year battle with adenocarcinoma cancer.
The hardcore punk rock band announced his passing in a social media post describing him as a “beloved friend and an iconic frontman.”
This year would have marked the New York band’s 40th anniversary – and members praised Lou’s “camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm” over the years.
The tribute said: “It’s with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller.
“The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman.
“Lou had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world.
In June 2024, Lou shared with fans that doctors had found a tumour in his esophagus that went into his stomach.
The band eventually paused their European tour as the singer underwent treatment.
Fans and fellow musicians rallied around him, raising money for medical expenses through a benefit concert at Irving Plaza in Manhattan later that year.
A year later, he said he had completed his final round of chemotherapy and had been declared cancer-free.
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Months later, he revealed the cancer had returned.
In a video message on the Sick of It All social media, Lou told fans that he was “back to square one” and that he had to restart treatments.
“So bad news is the cancer has returned,” he said.
“I’ll try to keep you updated as much as possible. Thank you for your love and support.”
In the tribute, band members thanked acknowledge “the great help and support offered by everyone” who donated to Lou’s medical fund.
“You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years,” it added.
“His battle is over now and he can finally rest. Hopefully he can somehow still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world.”
Lou was born in Queens, New York and later formed the hardcore punk band Sick Of It All with his brother Pete when they were still in high school.
The band’s first show took place in May 1986 in Long Island at Right Track Inn.
The siblings have been hailed as some of the most influential figures in New York City hardcore.
Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians following the Friday announcement.
WWE wrestler CM Punk posted: “Love you Lou and SOIA. Thank you for the soundtrack for my life. Sending hugs.”
